Boknice275

The Coming of Purity [!] In the far southwestern reaches of Braevos lies a rotting swamp, brimming with decayed flora and brillant Fauna of all sorts. Occult sites, strange villages, a Voidal heath and other abominations stain the land, giving quarter to the various forces of darkness to operate isolated in the backwater biome. But just beyond the mountain reaches of Koyo-Kuni where Rah’tuma sits looking over the swamps lies a different scene. A small patch of land was wrested from the decay of the swamp and converted into a domain of pure white sands. In the middle of the land rests a spiritually created Oasis, upon which sits a quartz shrine to the great spirit Hesthor. The shrine is scrawled over with Rah’mun hieroglyphics and various Old Blah devotions to the great Purifier. Echoes of Old Blah musings directly from the spirit realm surround the blessed sight, further adding to its extravagence. The quartz pillars of the shrine have small murals upon them, depicting a prophecy of silver-white river washing into Aevos, drowning numerous impure forces such as Dragons, necromancers, demons, foul sorcerers, all depicted in Rah’mun style. The shrine itself faces another holy sight: a set of four Ankh crosses, representing the Rah’mun faith’s view of life, sit upon the formerly dirtied river, gleaming with jewels and natural light. The waters themselves, formerly dirtied by the decay of the swamps, brim with natural purity, blue and sparkling, not an inch of filth to be found. The entire area gleams with an otherworldly quality, holding both a promise and a vision of the kind of world that is possible: one free from the machinations of Isfet (darkspawn), disease, sickness, or foul practices where the world bows to will of the Spirits. That world, prophesied in mighty Rah’mun canons, was dawning now in the most unlikeliest places. Nothing would stop it. The coming of the Great River is certain. OOC info:

"Evil flourishes only when good men refuse to do their duty. Raguel and his project will NOT succeed, with GOD as my witness." Ser Philip says from a faraway island off the shores of Aevos. He then goes back to drafting plans to train the next generation of GOD's holy knights - the resistance.

"The word of Raguel," Philip repeats those words over and over again, before simply shaking his head. "What about the word of GOD? Men make a mockery of the divine for their lack of knowledge. I rebuke this order by the power of GOD. May the fire of Owyn illuminate their minds and reveal the true nature of the deceiver Raguel."

[!] The old, pious templar Ser Philip simply shakes his head as he reads the missive. He particularly arches a brow in response to the attack against his student, Xavier, and their investigation of Raguel. "The spirit of insanity has overtaken this one's mind. He is in need of serious deliverance, for he is not operating under the strength and order of mind that is of GOD." Philip then signs the lorraine in front of the missive. "LORD - wherever the author of this wretched work of insanity and heresy is, I decree that deliverance shall visit him, set him free, and expose him to the evils of Raguel. Amen."

"Deception," Ser Philip uttered as he sharpened his anorum longsword whilst staring at the sea that surrounds the island he is on. "Mass deception, these fools are being led into Iblees's trap by their own doing." Philip then falls to one knee and looks up to the sky, spreading his hands wide, "GOD - deliver the minds of those deceived by this pretender, and strike down his influence by thunder."

DELIVERANCE A Declaration Against the Pretender [!] The following missive is found throughout the various realms of Canondom, posted on notice boards, hanging on the walls of taverns and some even nailed to the doors of churches. The missives are marked with both a Lorraine Cross and a single fire next to it, an Owynist symbol. ▪────༺ ☨ ༻────▪ Blessings in the name of our LORD, who brings forth tranquility, absolution, and order. The time is nigh, people of Canondom. GOD is calling us to clarity of mind regarding recent events. My name, Ser Philip the Righteous, has been spoken in the lands in association with recent investigations about the pretender “angel” Raguel. It is I, Ser Philip, who was once Grandmaster of the Holy Inquisition, a once venerable institution in Canondom. It is I, Ser Philip, who has counseled Kings, Dukes, Pontiffs, and young pupils in the ways of the LORD over the course of my life. It is I, Ser Philip, who has defended the realm of Men when our most daring adversaries rose their heads, such as the Mori or the accursed Cloudbreaker. It is true, people of Canondom, that I instructed my students to investigate the authenticity of this “angel,” and what we have found is nothing short of damning. It is true, beloved, that this ‘Raguel’ fits the description of the deceivers spoken of in the holy Book of Auspice. It is true, beloved, that this ‘Raguel’ sends the people of Canondom to wars that do not serve it’s own self-preservation or the will of GOD, but instead emboldens his own thirst for blood. It is true, beloved, that not even the ARCHANGEL MICHAEL nor his servants intervene as frequently as this ‘Raguel.’ To prove the fraudulent nature of this ‘Raguel,’ let us turn to church documentation about the encounter with ARCHANGEL MICHAEL. According to the Canons of Church history, MICHAEL’s single intervention came in a scripturally correct form, exercised directly though the Witnesses of his coming, and seen fully in the culmination of his efforts in the Inferi War. Pontiff James II testifies about his encounter with the Archangel in a papal decree titled “THE CRUSADE FOR PERPATIEL” written in 1781. Pontiff James cites the Scroll of Gospel’s assurance that GOD provides “signs of his watchfulness.” to verify the appearance of the Archangel. The Archangel did not merely claim his mantle - he took the Pontiff to the Heavens, proved that he was the brother of Holy Perpatiel, agreed to help the faithful shake off the yolk of the Ibleesian Inferi and did so before thousands of witnesses. Once his direct task was over, ARCHANGEL MICHAEL receded into the background and left the people of Canondom with a gift: the fire of GOD, which lives strongly within the souls of Holy Knights blessed by the LORD’s authority. MICHAEL, in other words, was simply a messenger who transmitted GOD’s plan and purpose for Canondom for a specific season and then allowed us to show our dedication to GOD on our own. He was as the Scriptures dictated - a sign of GOD’s watchfulness. Now let us contrast the behavior of ARCHANGEL MICHAEL as recorded in Church history to Raguel. This ‘Raguel’ appeared, as others have noted, in the same manner Auspice dictated a deceitful entity would appear. Auspice tells us more - this deceitful entity would not simply proclaim to be of the Light, it would seek to bring wrath and destruction to the world. Since the appearance of this ‘Raguel,’ far from being a ‘sign’, he has been an intractable feature of every major conflict in the past few years. He issues decrees, commands, and statements through himself. Did MICHAEL issue decrees, commands, and statements directly? I think not - he communicated through Man, as is spiritually necessary. This ‘Raguel,’ far from empowering the people of Canondom to execute GOD’s will, or assisting them in a secondary way, has taken it within his own hands to be the exclusive arbiter of ‘GOD’s will’, and he has used this designation to indiscriminately murder innocent men, women, and children, without offering any redemption or reprieve. Canondom is expected to follow his lead, not the other way around. ARCHANGEL MICHAEL, on the other hand, set the judgment of GOD against hellbeasts and sorcerers - he did not bother with petty political squabbles between nations, nor did he take it upon himself to punish nations. Who led the people of humanity into battle? The Pontiff and the Church - MICHAEL simply helped. Who now leads the Church into battle? Raguel, the church merely follows. A tragedy. Beloved, I REBUKE Raguel, for he makes a mockery of our GOD and the scrolls. The SCROLLS make it plain that GOD’s true messengers to the world, such as the Exalted, did not behave in the manner of this Raguel! Take the destruction of Hohkmat, a city of heretic-magi. It was not a city of heretic magi that OWYN and the tribes of Ulgaard and Aehey are prophesied to destroy; it is Iblees himself and his direct consorts. GOD gave a sign to the magi in the Scroll of Spirit and it was not wrath, it was admonishment. For this Raguel to act outside of the bounds of GOD’s established word is for him to make a mockery of our LORD. ARCHANGEL MICHAEL’s appearance exalted GOD’s Providence, Raguel’s tears scripture into tatters. Lo, people of Canondom, the TRUE prophet is he who says what GOD revealed in the Scrolls and no more. The prophet is the one who helps the flock interpret the word of GOD, firstly, and helps bring forth deliverance to Canondom, secondly. I have spent my life bringing deliverance to the people of GOD, first as Grand Inquisitor of the Holy Inquisition and now as an exiled knight of the LORD, disgraced by the very Church he has helped sustain. Both the Church and Canondom need deliverance - and I intend to bring it forth with a flaming sword. I am a fire-washed warrior of GOD. I have exposed occult covens, burned witches at the stake, and delivered men from sickness and demonic possession. I am anointed to bring forth the deliverance of the realms. THIS IS WAR. With the authority vested in me as a servant of the LORD, I pick up my prophetic mantle and I use it to declare war against the one called Raguel. From this point on, my ambition and task will be the destruction of the pretender Raguel and every deceitful entity that accompanies him in his wicked task. The same fire called forth by OWYN, which established his legal dominion over the natural realm, belongs to us as followers of the Canon. Believers are not taught their power, but today this prophet reveals it to you. You, as a believer in GOD, have been given the authority to tread upon every mediocre evil of this world - and that includes the deceiver. Let a prayer commence this declaration of war: I decree and declare that the name ‘Raguel,’ within sixty days of the publication of this missive, will cause revulsion in the minds of the righteous. I decree and declare that for the next eighteen years constant war will visit Raguel and his wicked allies; they will have no peace, rest, or reprieve. Between the first and the eighteenth year, I decree and declare, GOD will annihilate the one known as Raguel. I decree and declare, hallelujah, that GOD is sending forth angels of truth to reclaim the mantle of justice from Raguel, and these angels shall expose the injustice of Raguel the Pretender. I decree and declare, thank you LORD, that eyes are being opened. The LORD shall reach out to the mind of the Pontiff and break the spell Raguel and the Grand Deceiver Iblees has placed upon his mind. GOD, save the Pontiff’s mind. I decree and declare that every future plot of Raguel against the nations of man be foiled, tied up, sealed, and frustrated for eternity. He shall never destroy another civilization. I decree and declare that the anointing of GOD will fall upon the righteous, and ears will be open where they were previously closed; eyes will see clearly where they were previously blinded by deceit; actions will conform to the righteousness where they formerly catered to vice and status quo. GOD is changing it now, AMEN! I decree and declare, thank you LORD, that any man that speaks against this anointing will be judged swiftly by the true angels of the LORD. I decree and declare, amen, that every word that comes from the mouth of Raguel is met with suspicion, scorn, disbelief, and is tested by the Scrolls. I decree and declare, in the name of the GOD of Canonism who crafted the universe, all influence that Raguel and any dark forces conspiring with him have over the nations of the world shall be broken immediately, burnt up by the HOLY FIRE OF GOD. AMEN! May these declarations be received, sealed, and issued within the courtrooms of the Seven Skies, with GOD and ARCHANGEL MICHAEL as my witness. AMEN! Let this be an invitation for holy men: deliverance must happen, but it will only happen if you allow GOD to work through your actions. I encourage you to participate with me in the annihilation of Raguel. Train, pray, write to me, and gather others who wish to see this deceiver fall. Together, we shall piece together an army of righteousness. TO the Church: You have been DECEIVED. But GOD is calling for your deliverance, and what he says shall come to pass. I encourage you to sever ties from this Raguel, re-evaluate your relationship with the alliances forged under his watch, and return to governing the matters of Canondom instead of terrorizing the world. TO the Pontiff: I will meet with you personally and pray for you so that your mind might escape the allure of the deceiver. TO Raguel: Your time has come. It will be the flaming sword of GOD, wielded by my hands, that strikes true against you. Your trial date has been set in the Seven Skies, and your conviction is all but assured. Surrender to the people of GOD, admit that you are a deceiver and a warmonger, and forsake the ill-begotten title of “justice” that you claim. If you do these things, GOD may decide to have mercy on you. But if you persist in your deceit and respond to this missive with indignation or anger, your destruction will be swift. Let the people of GOD go; let their minds go, let their souls go, let their kingdoms go or DIE. Let them go or DIE. Heed my word, Canondom. Forsake the machinations of the wicked, reject the False Savior Raguel, and turn to GOD and only GOD. HOLY WAR shall bring this deceiver to his knees, and true justice will flourish throughout the realms. ▪────༺ ◘ ༻────▪ Ser Philip the Righteous God’s Prophet of Fire, Wielder of Owyn’s Burning Sword of Judgment, Blessed of the Archangel, Bane of the Darkness, Evangelist to the Nations

"The light of GOD is being shone upon this great deceit. Before I am called to the Seven Skies, I will oversee the downfall of this "Raguel" and the purification of the church from his influence. Praise GOD - deliverance is coming!" Philip yelled from the abandoned island he now lives in during his exile.

[!] An old, pious cloaked knight grips the reins of his steed as it stops just a short distance away from Hohkmat. The smoke and embers of the Hohkmati ruins coat the skies a sickly black, a sign of the wrath of the Pretender. Ser Philip stares at the desecrated sight with a certain solemn reminiscience. He had no love for the ways of the Hohkmati, but their demise simply fuelled the notion that Raguel is the true light-bringer. That worried Philip. "It will not be an external foe that endangers the people of GOD; It will be our own wilingness to look beyond dogma and towards GOD's truth." Philip said as he grasps the reins of his steed and directed it northward. "We must pray for what is to come." And with that, the knight galloped off into the night, in exile.

[!] An old, pious Templar of ages past and former Grand Inquisitor receives a copy of the missive while walking through the streets of Numenost. As his glassy eyes scan over its contents his formerly expressionless countenance becomes wrought with concern by each passing moment. If not for the fires of the Archangel manifest in his soul, he might feel fear. Once he finished the missive, a glint of anger comes over Ser Philip's face, prompting him to yell. "The people of Canondom, who I protected under several Kings and served at the behest of numerous pontiffs, are being deceived. My old apprentice, Ailred, will not even return my letters; Callahan does not speak up, despite knowing better. They will get precisely what they deserve if they do not turn back to GOD and heed his word." Philip then signs the Lorraine over himself. "GOD be with us."

THE BOOK OF PHARAOHS, A RAH’MUN LEGACY VOL. I PUBLISHED IN THE 198TH YEAR OF THE SECOND AGE —————————————————— ◘ —————————————————— PHARAOH NASERET The first Pharaoh, spoken of in the Book of Creation. Naseret was half elf and half human, and fought the armies of Kazul with the power of Hesthor and led the earliest Rah'muns into a golden age of prosperity and influence, expanding what was once a village into a large and bustling kingdom. He owned a flaming staff, and it became iconic, often symbolic of him. PHARAOH KHEPERKARE The second Pharaoh of Rah’tuma and known as the “Sun’s Mighty Hand;” he was human and established the first solar observatory along the Hakan river, aligning temples to celestial events. His reign marked a golden age of astronomy, where priests could predict eclipses and solstices with remarkable accuracy. PHARAOH NAKU Crowned as the third [3rd] Pharaoh of Rah’tuma, he was celebrated as the wealthiest ruler for his vast trade networks that brought diamonds and lapis lazuli to Kemet-Taw as well as emeralds and gold. His reign saw the construction of the grandest ships, which sailed beyond the seas and returned with tales of distant lands. PHARAOH DJEDEFPTAH A warrior king, he expanded borders to their furthest extent, subduing rebellions and establishing fortresses deep in Kemet-Taw. His military campaigns were recorded on the walls of Pyramids, depicting his triumphs over enemies. It has been documented that he had never lost a battle, and always lead Rah'mun armies into victory. Djedefptah's conquests led to more land being taken over and increasing the size of the Rah'mun Kingdom. PHARAOH ATENHOTEP He was known as the “Builder of Horizons'' for his architectural innovations. Under his rule, the first obelisks were erected, pointing like sunbeams towards the heavens. His mortuary complex included a labyrinthine garden that mimicked the journey of the afterlife. PHARAOH NEFERKARE He established a network of healing temples staffed by priest-physicians. His understanding of medicine led to the creation of comprehensive teachings on healing practices that would influence generations. PHARAOH RAMSES-RA Rah’tuma’s seventh [7th] Pharaoh and known for his cruelty and strictness, he would punish individuals without mercy and often showed great aggression and wrath towards his enemies. He became so feared he received the name “The Rage of Ra”. Ramses-Ra ordered the construction of the first temple of Kalthet, and had a giant statue of Tetu built. PHARAOH AKEMEN-TA Known for his mercy, peace, and frequent practices of meditation. He established peace treaties and alliances, and played a role in constructing the Pyramid of Ra, which was the largest Pyramid in all of Kemet-Taw. On some occasions he denied enemies mercy, and on others he gave them mercy. He led the Rah’muns towards having fifty years of peace, no battles nor any kind of war or conflict. PHARAOH MERENKAHRE The one and only son of Akemen-Ta, Merenkahre is believed to have been the founder of the Cult of Ra'tuhmet. He was the first to discover the existence of secretive groups of dark magicians throughout Kemet-Taw who worshiped Keop and outlawed them. His military reign was undefeated, and is one of several undefeated military reigns in Rah'mun history. Merenkahre was human like his father Akemen-Ta, and he ascended to the throne as Rah’tuma’s ninth [9th] Pharaoh after Akemen-Ta died of old age. PHARAOH MUTANKHTUMET During his reign he focused on establishing trade routes and maintaining the trade networks built by the Pharaoh Naku, and battled the dark magicians of Keop who had increased in numbers and formed a cult known as the “Cult of Keop”. Mutankhtumet was a human known to have been worried about humanity mainly populating the Rah'mun Kingdom, and became successful in helping elven populations rise. PHARAOH KHAMUNRA The first fully-elven Pharoah, he captured one hundred cities during his reign and sought to end the increasing worship of forbidden gods, outlawing their worship. He conquered smaller empires and kingdoms and assimilated them into the Rah’mun Kingdom, as well as expanding the size and trade network of the Kingdom and led campaigns into territories of resistance groups. Khamunra embarked on ambitious projects throughout the Kingdom and was renowned for his architectural innovations, temple construction, and restoration. During the battle that would be his last, he took a devastating, mortal injury to the gut and, upon his deathbed, named his Vizier, Musa, as the twelfth [12th] Pharaoh of Rah’tuma. PHARAOH MUSA He was the first Pharaoh to ascend to the throne while being an elderly human, causing his reign to be quite short. He placed Ra'tuhmet as the central deity, and ordered the first temple of Te'uth to be built. During his short reign of eleven years, Musa undid some damage caused by societal and cultural shifts and reforms, returning most of the Kingdom back to polytheism and put an end to the increasing trend of monotheistic worship of the Goddess Hesthor. PHARAOH TAI-HOTEP He is believed to have invented the Shadoof, and is thought to have been mostly devoted to the god Ku-Tai. During his reign, he ordered the first temple of Ku-Tai to be constructed and was said to have had a leg deformity which resulted in him always walking with a cane. Tai-Hotep had a great love for the arts and often spent time thinking of inventions, but none became successful except for the Shadoof, though he was renowned for his artistic talent and his paintings. He eventually created a game that consists of simply rolling a ball at a set of stationary objects at some specified distance. PHARAOH ANKHMUNRA Inspired by the creative mind of Pharaoh Tai-Hotep and the works of Pharaoh Kheperkare, Ankhmunra orded some Rah'mun workers to create the Rah'mun Calendar. His reign saw the introduction of mathematics to the Rah’mun Kingdom, and the invention of air conditioning after experiencing personal trouble with strong heat that had come upon the Kingdom during his reign. The air conditioning consisted of reeds being hung in windows and were moistened with trickling water, and the evaporation of water had cooled the air blowing through the window which also made the air slightly more humid. His Vizier, Ku-Ankhmet, eventually utilized this invention and it became public, leading to many citizens using it. PHARAOH ANKHHOTEP He established the Medjay, an elite paramilitary police force and brought gymnastics to the Kingdom. The Rah’mun Kingdom and the Nabian Empire went to war during his reign, resulting in many casualties. He led an army of five Rah’mun divisions into Nabian territory on the Al-Tah Mountains in Kemet-Taw and set up camp there, where he then commanded his forces to scout the terrain and set Nabian camps ablaze, and from there he ordered one of his divisions to raid the Nabian Empire's capital city as his other divisions attacked the Empire from different angles and corners, eventually winning the war. PHARAOH AZIQNEK He was a skilled combatant renowned for conquering the Nabian Empire and turning it into part of the Rah'mun Kingdom. During his reign he defeated rebel Nabians and went to war with the Cults of Keop that had evolved into one cult known simply as the Order of Keop, and they had built a large castle which Aziqnek led five incursions against, and eventually had Rah'mun forces destroy it. Aziqnek also put down multiple uprisings in Te-Net but failed to conquer it after his conquests were unsuccessful. PHARAOH TETH-HOTEP He was behind the construction of the Great Pyramid of Ra, and went to war with the Kingdom of Te-Net. Unlike Aziqnek, Teth-Hotep was successful in capturing the Kingdom and expanding the Rah'mun Kingdom into Te-Net. He led his forces into the most notable, if not one of the most notable, wars of Rah'mun Antiquity which was the War of Tahat that was fought in a valley called Tahat. Although, the Rah’mun Kingdom won the war, Teth-Hotep died in battle and his Vizier, Tes-Batat, ascended to the Pharaonic throne as Teth-Hotep bared no heir. PHARAOH TES-BATAT He put in place the use of a postal system which was a state-sponsored and designated courier service for the dissemination of written documents, allowing him and the following Pharaohs to send out decrees swiftly throughout the Kingdom. PHARAOH KHEMU Khemu established the first significant naval presence for the Rah’mun empire. His reign also saw the diversification of the Machimoi (warrior) class from merely a fighting force to a “peace force” as well. Khemu often mediated disputes between neighboring civilizations and dispatched Machimoi to prevent broader conflicts that threatened the safety of Kemet-Taw. PHARAOH TEN-AMEN Ten-Amen, or the “Wrath of Amaunet,” dealt with numerous Isfetian uprisings in the Rah’mun territories that formerly constituted Te-Net. Ten-Amen was responsible for quelling threats to Rah’mun dominion in the Tehat Valley and ultimately contended with a cult of Necromancers and Keopian warriors who raised the body of Teth-Hotep to fight for their wicked cause. Ten-Amen avoided Teth-Hotep’s fate and defeated the insurgents - and the animated, mummified form of Teth-Hotep - by conducting a ritual of wrath devoted to Amaunet. A debilitating force struck down the Isfetian forces and caused the animated mummy to crumble. This event reinforced the importance of Amaunet to the Rah’mun peoples and earned Ten-Amen legendary status. PHARAOH BAYEK Bayek is known as the “Pride of Tetu” for being the first Pharaoh to write an entire manual on military defense of the homeland and various stratagems. With his reign came renewed interest in the Goddess Kalthet, and the construction of a new temple-barracks combination devoted entirely to her. His reign also saw a similar explosion of interest in navigational mapping and other activities that fit the genre of a strategist. PHARAOH AANEKHTOU The youngest Pharaoh, having risen to the throne at the age of nineteen [19]. Aanekhtou's inexperience in leading led him to studying Rah'mun history and how the Pharaohs before him led as well as their accomplishments, and he acquired several victories in conquests and battles. The fact that he claimed the throne without much experience in leading and at that age was quite controversial among people at the time of his reign but the controversy eventually died down as years passed and he aged. On his deathbed he would crown his adopted Elven son, Shafra, as Rah’tuma’s twenty-third [23] Pharaoh. PHARAOH SHAFRA Shafra is credited with creating the Rah’mun art of stick-fighting called Khatib, where both participants use a stick called Nab-sa and learn different techniques on how to fight with it. Other than this singular achievement Shafra’s reign was largely inconsequential. PHARAOH MEDUNAMUN Known as the “Son of Ka’tau” and “Bringer of Ra’s Wrath,” Medunamun is one of the most popular Elven Pharaohs in Rah’tuma’s history. Medunamun is credited with resurrecting the “Flaming Eye” of Ra from ancient obscurity and causing a “Flaming Eye” sect of the Cult of the Ra’tuhmet to spring up. Medunamun is credited with having spoiled several rebellions within Rah’mun civilization by bringing forth their leaders to the realm of Ka’tau himself. He also oversaw the construction of the largest shrine of the Ra’tuhmet, called Net-ja-Sha, or the Flaming Eye’s Judgment; which was a mobile, towering figurine of Ra vested with spiritual powers, capable of bringing judgment upon the enemies of Rah’tuma in combat. He used this machine to conquer the outer reaches of Kemet-Taw which had flourished under Keopian control since his vanquishment at the hand of Ra. His reign is documented extensively in the Rah’mun canons for its legendary implications. PHARAOH AKHENATON Akhenaton largely built on the successes of Mendunamun and established trading posts in the conquered Outer Reaches of Kemet-Taw. He also oversaw the expansion of the Hesthor priesthood into several villages in the civilization. His reign was uneventful other than these few facts. PHARAOH IB-HOTEP Known as the “Pharaoh of Dreams,” or the “Dreaming King,” Ib-Hotep introduced Rah’tuma to the God of Dreaming and Wonders and established a temple to him in the capital city of the Kingdom. Dream Priests became revered and honored within Rah’mun civilization, as they were believed to be able to interpret the future and peer into the domain of the Gods with regularity. Ib-Hotep allegedly received several visitations from the Gods Ra, Hesthor, and Amaunet in his dreams, along with the God of Dreaming. He recorded all of these interactions in the legendary Hem-newyt-ba work which is popularly read by Rah’muns. PHARAOH KET-KET Ket-Ket was known as the “Great Entertainer Pharaoh;” he held massive festivals in service to the Gods and encouraged more Rah’muns to take up recreational activities. His reign saw a relative period of demilitarization and an emphasis on entertainment over conflict. Consequently, this approach emboldened various Isfetian sources and caused the Rah’mun army to lose control over the “Outer Banks” of Kemet-Taw. Numerous Machimoi and Hesthor Netjer were sent to correct the issue, but they never regained control over the perilous region. This would be a mark against Ket-Ket’s reign for future generations. Because of his many military failures, Ket-Ket would abdicate the throne, giving authority of the Kingdom to his son, Khnum-Rekhi. PHARAOH KHNUM-REKHI As the twenty-eighth [28th] Pharaoh of Rah’tuma and the direct successor to Ket-Ket, Khnum-Rekhi slowly remilitarized Rah’tuma to prepare for a reconquest of the “Outer Banks” region of the continent. This Pharaoh would advocate for worship to Hesthor among the people and enforce temperance as it had been cast aside many times during his father’s reign. Not much else is recorded about Khnum-Rekhi. PHARAOH KU-THUT Ku-Thut, or the “King of Purity,” led Rah’mun civilization deeper into a worship of Hesthor and established the “Cult of Hesthor” which gave rise to Ramazet, the ferryman of the Great River. His reign saw a surge in Hesthorian worship in Rah’mun civilization. Ku-Thut aggressively responded to the rise of Keopians in the outer-banks of the south by constructing a network of Hesthor shrines near its perimeter and bringing forth a miniature version of the Great River upon the material plane, a massive feat not seen since the days of Naseret. The Outer Banks became completely purified and all dark influence was either eradicated or rendered powerless within days of the ritual. Ku-Thut also personally developed several magical and non-magical means of hunting Isfetians that became a staple within the ranks of many Machimoi. The most consequential of Ku-Thut’s rule was “the Great Purity Trials,” which saw several royal officials brought before the temples of Hesthor on account of impurity in their souls. The trials resulted in many of these officials being executed once proven guilty, whereas others were set free on account of innocence. Ku-Thut’s rulership is often described as “benevolent, but strict.” PHARAOH BAS-RA Bas-Ra was known as the “Wise Scribe of Te’uth.” He ordered the largest commission of Rah’mun writing in the history of the Kingdom, and created an equally large collection of Rah’mun historical artefacts to be placed in libraries throughout the kingdom. His reign saw an explosion of knowledge and insights among the Rah’mun population. PHARAOH OSIRIS-MA Osiris-Ma is noted for his expansion of the Rah’mun navy and his emphasis on ensuring expeditions to continents outside of Kemet-Taw. His reign saw the expansion of Rah’mun “missionaries” who built shrines to the Gods and spread the word of Ka’tau in other continents. Osiris-Ma was the first Pharaoh to live primarily outside Kemet-Taw and establish diplomatic relationships with other civilizations. This lifestyle would be passed down to his son and heir, Amenhotep. PHARAOH AMENHOTEP Amenhotep is known as the “Absentee Pharaoh.” He rarely interacted with anyone within the palace complex or the priesthood and spent long hours journeying in the realm of the Gods. When he wasn’t interacting with the divine, he left Kemet-Taw and established enclaves in other lands. His absenteeism brought forth the rise of corruption and power-struggles among Rah’mun religious and political officials. Amenhotep’s Vizier, Nemes, successfully plotted to overthrow Amenhotep and ended up conducting a successful assassination against him when he returned from an overseas trip. Amenhotep’s food was poisoned and his two sons, heirs to his throne, were kidnapped and thrown into a river full of crocodiles. Nemes then assumed the throne shortly thereafter. PHARAOH NEMES The reign of Nemes, or the “Son of the Cobra,” marked the end of the historical epoch Hry-nekt-ta (c. the Middle Kingdom period). Nemes is the thirty-third [33rd] and second-to-last Pharaoh before the collapse of Rah’mun civilization. Nemes is believed to have been influenced directly by both Kazul and Keop, and he issued decrees accordingly. He ordered the closure of Hesthor temples in the Outer Banks and incorporated several questionable figures from civilizations Rah’tuma conquered into the main Hesthor priesthoods in the main city. He also divided the Rah’mun peoples by attempting to consolidate the entire religion of Ka’tau into worship of three deities: Dorabek and Ha-bet, the latter of whom was known as the ‘maniac God’ who brought forth insanity and discord in society. Worship of Ha-bet had been previously banned by other Pharaohs due to his relative proximity to Isfet. Mass religious persecutions occurred by Nemes’s rule, many hundreds of Rah’muns were slaughtered for refusing to adhere to his new edicts. Eventually a skilled priest of Hesthor managed to call forth Hesthor’s judgment upon Nemes with an unknown yet powerful invocation of her power. This spell caused Nemes’s mortal coil to shed and revealed him as an Isfetian sorcerer, a necromancer who had assumed the form of a human. The spell then eviscerated him totally and transported his soul to the Great River. Ibnamek, Nemes’s Vizier, took the throne afterward. PHARAOH IBNAMEK The reign of the Ibnamek marked the beginning of Isfe-nek-at (c. Era of Isfet and Exile). Ibnamek’s reign continued the damage wrought upon Rah’mun civilization by Nemes. Ibnamek refused to reform the religious division of the Rah’mun peoples and introduced a new God to the pantheon that very few people recognized. Ibnamek’s reign was very short, however, due to a plethora of events. Numerous initiates of the Hesthor priesthood were corrupted by Isfetian magics and they ended up corrupting the sources of Hesthor’s power within her Grand Temples. This led to the nullification of several protective spells that warded away the eldritch darkness of Kemet-Taw and unleashed a tsunami of chaos, social discord, and violence that overwhelmed the Kingdom. Several cities would revolt and form their own factions as the main city of the Kingdom became lawless and ungovernable. The Tribe of Tal, a native clan of Dark Elves to Kemet-Taw, formed the most dominant faction that represented Rah’mun traditionalism, whereas Ibnamek took up his own faction. He and his few followers were overwhelmed and killed in a battle against Atemu-Ta, a Rah’mun convert from Almaris who had been visiting Kemet-Taw for the second time. Atemu then claimed the title of Pharaoh and consolidated several factions under the Tal banner. The damage had already been done, however, and several Isfetian forces of Undead and daemonic began vying for total domination of Kemet-Taw. Ibnamek’s reign ended with the continent plunged into an endless dark and conflict, between the native Rah’mun and the dark ones who seek to thwart Ka’tau’s authority over the continent. PHARAOH ATEMU-TA Atemu-Ta is the thirty-fifth [35th] and current Pharaoh of Rah’tuma as of this publication, along with being the first [1st] Pharaoh of the Rah’mun Remnant. His reign so far has consisted in unifying the people of Rah’tuma in a land far from Kemet-taw called Aevos, and reviving the practice of Rah’mun religious belief. He has successfully led his people into battle against numerous Isfetians, while also attracting the ire of forces like the Azdrazi and Iket (Gashadokuro). Hesthor worship has seen a resurgence under Atemu as well, overseeing the construction of several Hesthor shrines across Aevos and Almaris in the most tormented spots, calling attention to the authority of the Bovine Queen of Purity. Pharaoh Atemu is still the de-facto commander of the Rah’mun Resistance on Kemet-taw and keeps several priests stationed there to continue the fight to reclaim the Rah’mun home continent. —————————————————— ◘ —————————————————— WITH BALANCE RESTORED, ATEMU-TA Pharaoh of Rah’tuma ELAHERN NEKHT TAL By the Grace of the Gods, Lord-Regent of Rah’tuma, Jaws of Tal Writing credits: Digit, Boknice2754, Hopefulsaint OOC:

[!] An old Dwarven wizard cleaning out his apartment in preparation to move from Hohkmat hears of the toils of his homeland. Grymus simply shakes his head and reaches for his wooden staff. "Looks loike Ogradhad calls fer 'is servants tah meet dis threat head 'un." With that, the dwarf makes his way back to Urguan.

[!] The Pharaoh receives a copy of the missive released by the Prince. A smile comes across his countenance as he reads over the opulent contents of the recruitment missive, nodding throughout it with a high degree of pride. Upon finishing the letter he taps his glowing Pharaoh's crook of Hesthor upon the floor of his throne room and grasps the Ankh around his chest. "Haitham will be the force that restores the Ra'tuhmet's ranks to their proper glory. Heketa Ra."

"Enough is enough." Atemu said after reading yet another poster handed to him by a courier. "Elahern," Atemu said, turning towards his Vizier, "prepare a hunt. This Isfetian must be brought before the Gods for judgment. No longer will he harm innocents with impunity." The Pharaoh said with great invective in his voice.

MARCH UPON THE SWAMP [!] An artist’s depiction of a Rah’mun army and their Pharaoh marching into the swamps accompanied by the blessed War Cows of HESTHOR. [!] A notice is distributed across Aevos by Rah’mun couriers with specific emphasis on notifying heroes, adventurers, travelers, worshipers of the Spirits, and other such groups. The missive is marked with a golden seal of the Pharaoh. Upon opening it the following is seen… Leh-iy to all denizens of Braevos, For too long the forces of Isfet - known by many names, such as Frost Witches, Infernalists, necromancers, enemies of the Gods by every measure - have marched unimpeded across these Braevosian lands, reigning in terror with very few checks. The light of the False Sun was enough to keep other Isfetians at bay, but that light has been shattered, as all heretic light shall. The only answer to the evil of the present is the Great River of eternity. Rah’tuma has heard directly from Lady HESTHOR, our Goddess of Purity, herself: the Great River that flows from her blessed throne and enters the world to wash away the filth that defies KA’TAU is our solution. She has determined that her River shall enter Braevos through its westernmost swamps. The wisdom of her edict is clear: the swamps were once home to the fallen Isfetian Iket, known to others as ‘Gashadokuro,’ whose memory stains the lands of the West in the ruins of the Hexicanium. The priesthood of HESTHOR conducted several missions to destroy Iket’s shrines and purify the defiled lands around them, and then consecrate those grounds to the Bovine Mother’s glory. There is reason to believe that many Isfetians still operate within the swamps, with their crimes against KA’TAU persisting in impunity. Impurity in one section of the world inevitably makes the rest of the world sick; this shall not stand. As we purged Iket’s presence from the swamp with the authority of HESTHOR then, we shall do the same now, and expand until every Isfetian is driven from every crack, crevice, and hidden spot in those marshlands. Every inch of the swamps shall become an extension of HESTHOR’s domain, and act as a gateway for the Great River to flow mightily into the world and wash away the Spawn of Isfet. May Kalthet guide us to victory over all enemies. OOC: WITH BALANCE RESTORED, ATEMU-TA Pharaoh of Rah’tuma ELAHERN NEKHT TAL By the Grace of the Gods, Lord-Regent of Rah’tuma, Jaws of Tal

[!] A stray emissary rushes into the Grand Library of Rah'tuma as he sits upon a throne-like office chair with a quill in his hand, composing a sacred letter of hieroglyphic inscriptions as he mutters prayers to Te'uth, great spirit of Knowledge. The Pharaoh directly faces the onyx-gold shrine of the ibis-headed spirit as he focuses. "Pharaoh," The emissary said in-between raspy breaths, "Grand Duke Sterling has been slain." Atemu places his quill flatly upon the granite floors of the library and his expression goes blank. He turns towards the courier and stares at him for what seems like an eternity, before finally speaking. "Inform the Vizier, and prepare the chariot, I will deliver my condolences to his family directly." With that, the courier fled and Atemu turned towards the shrine of Te'uth, reminiscing over his past interactions with the Grand Duke, and the unparalleled kindness he demonstrated to the Rah'mun peoples. "Sterling may have been a canonist," he began, "but he recognized the power of our Gods and understood that Ka'tau is an indispensable part in wiping the Isfetians clean from this world. In our time of need, when kingdoms around the world sought my head, the Duke and his people supported me. He permitted us to directly challenge the presence of Isfetians in the forests of his lands, and drive them out. Because of him we brought the 'Vicar' to his knees. His kindness will never be forgotten." Atemu said, solemnly.